U.S. patent application number 16/065005 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-27 for apparatus for topical application of material.
The applicant listed for this patent is CUTITRONICS LTD. Invention is credited to David HEATH, Barry HOCHFIELD.
Application Number | 20180368727 16/065005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55311607 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180368727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HEATH; David ; et
al. |
December 27, 2018 |
APPARATUS FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION OF MATERIAL
Abstract
The present invention relates to apparatus for topical
application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes. The
apparatus comprises measurement apparatus (154), (156), (158),
(152) configured to measure a property of skin of a human or animal
5 subject,actuating apparatus (146), (148), (152) configured to
change a property of the skin of the human or animal subject and
application apparatus (162) configured to apply material for
cosmetic or medical purposes to the skin. The apparatus further
comprises a processor (132) which is configured: to receive
operational data based on data received from each of plural other
apparatus for topical application of material, (10) said received
operational data pertaining to operation of the other apparatus for
topical application of material; and to control the apparatus for
topical application of material in dependence on the property
measured by the measurement apparatus and the operational data.
Inventors: |
HEATH; David; (East
Kilbride, GB) ; HOCHFIELD; Barry; (East Kilbride,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CUTITRONICS LTD |
East Kilbride |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
55311607 |
Appl. No.: |
16/065005 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 23, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2016/054075 |
371 Date: |
June 21, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/441 20130101;
A61B 5/0008 20130101; A61N 1/325 20130101; G06F 19/00 20130101;
A61B 5/742 20130101; A61B 5/443 20130101; A61B 5/0002 20130101;
A61B 5/01 20130101; A61N 1/303 20130101; A61B 2560/0242 20130101;
A61B 5/0531 20130101; A61N 1/0428 20130101; A61B 5/4839 20130101;
A61B 5/7405 20130101; A61N 1/205 20130101; G16H 40/67 20180101;
A61N 1/328 20130101; A61B 5/0022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/053 20060101
A61B005/053; A61B 5/01 20060101 A61B005/01; A61N 1/04 20060101
A61N001/04; A61N 1/32 20060101 A61N001/32; A61N 1/30 20060101
A61N001/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2015 |
GB |
1522851.3 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for topical application of material for cosmetic or
medical purposes, the apparatus comprising: measurement apparatus
configured to measure a property of skin of a human or animal
subject; actuating apparatus configured to change a property of the
skin of the human or animal subject; application apparatus
configured to apply material for cosmetic or medical purposes to
the skin; and a processor which is configured: to receive
operational data based on data received from each of plural other
apparatus for topical application of material, said received
operational data pertaining to operation of the other apparatus for
topical application of material; and to control the apparatus for
topical application of material in dependence on the property
measured by the measurement apparatus and the operational data.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the operational data
comprises at least one profile appropriate to a user of the
apparatus for topical application of material.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 configured such that at least one
of the actuating apparatus and the application apparatus is
controlled in dependence on the property measured by the
measurement apparatus and the operational data.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a user
interface, the apparatus for topical application of material being
configured to inform a user by way of the user interface in
dependence on the property measured by the measurement apparatus
and the operational data.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the processor is
configured to determine that a formulation of the material for
cosmetic or medical purposes should be changed in dependence on the
property measured by the measurement apparatus and the operational
data and to inform the user accordingly by way of the user
interface.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which the processor is
operative to make a determination concerning use of the apparatus
for topical application of material in dependence on the property
measured by the measurement apparatus and the operational data and
to inform the user accordingly by way of the user interface.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising data
communication apparatus which is operative to receive the
operational data from a remote data store and to transmit data
pertaining to the operation of the apparatus for topical
application of material to the remote data store.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which the data communication
apparatus is operative to transmit data relating to operation of at
least one of the measurement apparatus, the actuating apparatus and
the application apparatus.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the transmitted data
comprises at least one of: measurements made with the measurement
apparatus; characteristics of an actuating signal received by the
actuating apparatus; and characteristics of an actuating signal
received by the application apparatus.
10. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which the data communication
apparatus is operative to transmit data relating to measurement
made by way of at least one sensor comprised in the apparatus for
topical application of material.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising at least one
of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, the transmitted data
relating to measurement made by at least one of a temperature
sensor and a humidity sensor.
12. Apparatus according to claim 1 configured to determine its
location, to provide corresponding location data and to transmit
the corresponding location data by way of data communication
apparatus comprised in the apparatus for topical application of
material, the received operational data being further based on
location data from the other apparatus for topical application of
material.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 comprising a sensor and
location determining apparatus, the processor being configured to
control the apparatus for topical application of material in
dependence on measurement data from the sensor and location data
from the location determining apparatus.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the processor is
operative: to make an inference regarding climate based on the
location data and the measurement data; and to control the
apparatus for topical application of material in dependence on
operational data selected in dependence on the inference regarding
climate.
15-18. (canceled)
19. Apparatus according to claim 1 configured to be gripped in one
hand and operated when so gripped.
20. An arrangement for topical application of material for cosmetic
or medical purposes, the arrangement comprising: plural apparatus
for topical application of material for cosmetic or medical
purposes, each according to claim 1; and a data store remote from
the plural apparatus.
21. (canceled)
22. An arrangement according to claim 20 in which each of the
plural apparatus for topical application of material is operative:
to receive operational data from the data store; and to transmit
data pertaining to the operation of the apparatus for topical
application of material to the data store.
23. An arrangement according to claim 20 in which the operational
data which the data store provides to apparatus for topical
application of material is updated on an ongoing basis in
dependence on fresh data received from the plural apparatus for
topical application of material.
24. An arrangement according to claim 20 in which each of the
plural apparatus for topical application of material is operative
on the basis of first and second feedback loops, the first feedback
loop being local to the apparatus for topical application of
material and comprising the measurement apparatus comprised in the
apparatus and at least one of the actuation apparatus and the
application apparatus comprised in the apparatus, the second
feedback loop being remote in part from the apparatus for topical
application of material and comprising the plural apparatus for
topical application of material, the data store and each of the
plural apparatus for topical application of material.
25. An arrangement according to claim 24 in which the second
feedback loop is operative to influence operation of the first
feedback loop.
26-28. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for topical
application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes. The
present invention also relates to an arrangement for topical
application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes comprising
plural such apparatus for topical application of material for
cosmetic or medical purposes. The present invention further relates
to a method of topically applying material for cosmetic or medical
purposes.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Apparatus which measure properties of the skin and apply
cosmetics are known. For example US 2009/0025747 discloses an
approach which involves determining reflectance or texture
attributes of skin by optical techniques and then applying a
reflectance modifying agent, such as a pigmented cosmetic material,
to the skin in dependence on analysis of the attribute data.
[0003] The present inventors have recognised known approaches, such
as the approach of US 2009/0025747, to have shortcomings.
[0004] The present invention has been devised in light of the
inventors' appreciation of such shortcomings. It is therefore an
object for the present invention to provide improved apparatus for
topical application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes.
It is a further object for the present invention to provide an
arrangement for topical application of material for cosmetic or
medical purposes comprising plural such improved apparatus for
topical application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes.
It is a yet further object for the present invention to provide an
improved method of topically applying material for cosmetic or
medical purposes.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided apparatus for topical application of material for
cosmetic or medical purposes, the apparatus comprising: [0006]
measurement apparatus configured to measure a property of skin of a
human or animal subject; [0007] actuating apparatus configured to
change a property of the skin of the human or animal subject;
[0008] application apparatus configured to apply material for
cosmetic or medical purposes to the skin; and [0009] a processor
which is configured: to receive operational data based on data
received from each of plural other apparatus for topical
application of material, said received data pertaining to the
operation of the other apparatus for topical application of
material; and to control the apparatus for topical application of
material in dependence on the property measured by the measurement
apparatus and the operational data.
[0010] Apparatus according to the present invention is for topical
application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes. The
apparatus comprises measurement apparatus configured to measure a
property of skin of a human or animal subject and actuating
apparatus configured to change a property of the skin of the human
or animal subject. The apparatus also comprises application
apparatus configured to apply material for cosmetic or medical
purposes to the skin. The apparatus further comprises a processor
which is configured to receive operational data based on data
received from each of plural other apparatus for topical
application of material, said received data pertaining to the
operation of the other apparatus for topical application of
material.
[0011] The operational data may, for example, be received from a
central database which stores on an ongoing basis data received
from plural other apparatus for topical application of material.
The received data may have been processed on a central server,
which may comprise the central database, to provide plural
profiles, such as Italian women between age forty and forty-nine,
British women between age thirty and thirty-nine, etc. One of the
plural profiles which is appropriate to the user of the present
apparatus for topical application of material may be received in
the apparatus for topical application of material. The operational
data may therefore comprise at least one profile. The processor is
also configured to control the apparatus for topical application of
material in dependence on the property measured by the measurement
apparatus and the operational data. Control of the apparatus for
topical application of material is therefore informed by
measurements made by the apparatus for topical application of
material itself and also by earlier received data pertaining to
operation of other apparatus for topical application of material.
The present inventors have become appreciative that control may be
improved when based not only on local measurements, i.e.
measurements made with the measurement apparatus, but also on data
pertaining to operation of other apparatus for topical application
of material.
[0012] The apparatus for topical application of material may be
configured such that at least one of the actuating apparatus and
the application apparatus is controlled in dependence on the
property measured by the measurement apparatus and the operational
data. Control of at least one of the actuating apparatus and the
application apparatus therefore may be informed by measurements
made by the apparatus for topical application of material itself
and also by earlier received data pertaining to operation of other
apparatus for topical application of material.
[0013] Alternatively or in addition, the apparatus for topical
application of material may comprise a user interface, the
apparatus for topical application of material being configured to
inform the user by way of the user interface in dependence on the
property measured by the measurement apparatus and the operational
data. The user interface may comprise a display, the apparatus for
topical application of material being configured to inform the user
by way of the display. For example, in dependence on the property
measured by the measurement apparatus and the operational data, the
processor may be operative to determine that a formulation of the
material for cosmetic or medical purposes should be changed and to
inform the user accordingly by way of the display. More
specifically, a changed formulation may be sent to the user, for
example in the form of a replacement cartridge containing the
changed formulation, without user input and the user may be
informed accordingly. According to another example, the processor
may be operative to make a determination concerning use of the
apparatus for topical application of material, such as in respect
of timing and frequency of use, volume of material for cosmetic or
medical purposes to be applied or rate of application of material
for cosmetic or medical purposes, and to inform the user
accordingly. Alternatively or in addition, the user interface may
comprise a communication port. In use, the communication port may
provide for communication of data to further apparatus, such as a
Personal Computer. According to one of the previous examples, the
processor may be operative to convey by way of the communication
port data corresponding to a determination that a formulation of
the material for cosmetic or medical purposes should be changed. In
use, data conveyed by way of the communication port may be received
by the Personal Computer which then may be operative to provide the
data in a form perceptible by the user. Alternatively or in
addition, the user interface may comprise a loudspeaker by way of
which the user is informed.
[0014] The apparatus for topical application of material for
cosmetic or medical purposes may further comprise data
communication apparatus which is operative to receive the
operational data. The operational data may be received from a
remote data store. The data communication apparatus may be further
operative to transmit data pertaining to the operation of the
apparatus for topical application of material to a remote data
store. More specifically the data communication apparatus may be
operative to transmit data relating to operation of at least one of
the measurement apparatus, the actuating apparatus and the
application apparatus. For example, the transmitted data may be
based on and more specifically may comprise at least one of:
measurements made with the measurement apparatus; characteristics
of an actuating signal received by the actuating apparatus; and
characteristics of an actuating signal received by the application
apparatus. Alternatively or in addition, the data communication
apparatus may be operative to transmit data relating to measurement
made by way of at least one sensor comprised in the apparatus for
topical application of material. More specifically the apparatus
for topical application of material may comprise at least one of a
temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The transmitted data may
therefore relate to measurement made by at least one of a
temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. Alternatively or in
addition, the apparatus for topical application of material may be
operative to determine its location and to provide corresponding
location data, for example location data as provided by location
determining apparatus, such as a GPS receiver, comprised in the
apparatus for topical application of material. The apparatus for
topical application of material may be operative to transmit the
location data by way of the data communication apparatus. The
operational data may be based on corresponding data from other
apparatus for topical application of material, such as data
relating to operation of at least one of the measurement apparatus,
the actuating apparatus and the application apparatus of the other
apparatus, measurement data from the other apparatus and location
data from the other apparatus.
[0015] Where the apparatus for topical application of material
comprises at least one of a sensor and location determining
apparatus, the processor may be configured to further control the
apparatus for topical application of material in dependence on at
least one of measurement data from the sensor and location data
from the location determining apparatus. More specifically the
processor may be operative to effect control in dependence on the
operational data having regard to at least one of measurement data
from the sensor and location data from the location determining
apparatus. For example, the processor may be operative to make an
inference regarding climate based on the location data and to
control the apparatus for topical application of material in
dependence on operational data selected in accordance with climate.
By way of further example, the processor may be operative to
control the apparatus for topical application of material in
dependence on the operational data having regard to local
temperature and humidity measurements.
[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided an arrangement for topical application of material for
cosmetic or medical purposes, the arrangement comprising: plural
apparatus for topical application of material for cosmetic or
medical purposes, each according to the first aspect of the present
invention; and a data store remote from the plural apparatus. The
data store may be comprised in a computer server arrangement. The
data store may be comprised in a cloud based arrangement.
[0017] Each of the plural apparatus for topical application of
material may be operative to receive operational data from the data
store. Alternatively or in addition, each of the plural apparatus
for topical application of material may be operative to transmit
data pertaining to the operation of the apparatus for topical
application of material to the data store. The utility of the
present invention may increase with the number of plural apparatus
for topical application of material. Data from a larger pool of
apparatus for topical application of material may provide for
improved operational data. The operational data which the data
store provides to apparatus for topical application of material may
therefore be updated on an ongoing basis in dependence on fresh
data received from the plural apparatus for topical application of
material.
[0018] Each of the plural apparatus for topical application of
material may therefore be operative on the basis of two feedback
loops. A first feedback loop may be local to the apparatus for
topical application of material and may comprise the measurement
apparatus comprised in the apparatus and at least one of the
actuation apparatus and the application apparatus comprised in the
apparatus. A second feedback loop may be remote in part from the
apparatus for topical application of material and may comprise the
plural apparatus for topical application of material, the data
store and each of the plural apparatus for topical application of
material. One of the first and second feedback loops may influence
the other feedback loop. More specifically, the second feedback
loop may be operative to influence the first feedback loop. The
processor comprised in apparatus for topical application of
material may be operative to change how the apparatus for topical
application of material and more specifically at least one of the
actuation apparatus and the application apparatus is controlled in
dependence on the operational data. The operational data may
therefore provide for improved control of at least one of the
actuation apparatus and the application apparatus.
[0019] The data store may be operative to form at least one profile
in dependence on the data received from each of plural other
apparatus for topical application of material. Control of at least
one of the actuating apparatus and the application apparatus may
therefore be in dependence on local measurements, i.e. measurements
made with the measurement apparatus, and a profile received from
the data store. The at least one profile formed by the data store
may be modified in dependence on further data received from each of
plural other apparatus for topical application of material. The at
least one profile may thus be refined or modified on an ongoing
basis.
[0020] A profile may be formed in respect of a predetermined
category of human or animal subject. The remote data store may
therefore store plural different profiles, one of the plural
profiles being selected and transmitted to apparatus for topical
application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes in
accordance with a characteristic of the human or animal subject
with which the apparatus for topical application of material for
cosmetic or medical purposes is to be or is being used.
[0021] The arrangement for topical application of material may be
configured to analyse the data received from the plural other
apparatus for topical application of material. The analysis may be
by way of a central processor remote from the plural other
apparatus for topical application of material. The central
processor may, for example, be comprised in the same apparatus as
the data store. Analysis may comprise determining at least one
characteristic common to data received from the plural other
apparatus for topical application of material. At least one profile
may be formed in dependence on the analysis. Following receipt of
data from plural other apparatus for topical application of
material and analysis thereof, further data may be received from
further apparatus for topical application of material. The further
data may be analysed in light of the previous analysis. If the
further data is determined to be inappropriate for the at least one
profile, the arrangement for topical application of material may be
operative to form a fresh profile in dependence on the
determination.
[0022] Further embodiments of the second aspect of the present
invention may comprise one or more features of the first aspect of
the present invention and vice-versa.
[0023] As mentioned above, the apparatus for topical application of
material comprises measurement apparatus which is configured to
measure a property of skin of a human or animal subject. More
specifically the measurement apparatus may be configured to measure
an electrical property of skin of a human or animal subject.
[0024] The measurement apparatus may be configured to measure an
impedance of the skin. Apparatus according to the present invention
may be operative to make a determination in respect of permeability
of the measured skin in dependence on the measured impedance. The
apparatus may be operative to make the determination in dependence
on a model which relates measured impedance and permeability to
each other. The measured property of the skin may therefore
comprise impedance and more specifically a real part of impedance.
The measurement apparatus may comprise spaced apart measurement
members and a signal generator, the signal generator being
operative to apply a signal to the spaced apart measurement
members.
[0025] As mentioned above, the apparatus for topical application of
material comprises actuating apparatus which is configured to
change a property of the skin of the human or animal subject. More
specifically the actuating apparatus may be configured to change a
permeability of the skin of the human or animal subject. The
actuating apparatus may be operative in dependence on the measured
property of the skin. Alternatively or in addition, the actuating
apparatus may be operative in dependence on the data received based
on plural measurements. The measured property or the data received,
for example, may be such that it is determined that an increase in
permeability is desirable with the actuating apparatus being
operative accordingly to increase the permeability of the skin.
[0026] The actuating apparatus may be configured to change a
permeability of the skin by application of an electric signal to
the skin. The electric signal may be at least one of substantially
constant and varying, such as at least one pulse. The actuating
apparatus may be configured to change a permeability of the skin by
application to the skin of at least one of: an electric potential
signal; and an electric current signal. As described further below,
the electric potential signal and the electric current signal may
be applied to the skin at one of: different times; and
substantially a same time. In certain forms, the electric potential
signal may be applied to create pathways and then the electric
current signal may be applied to maintain the created pathways.
Therefore the actuating apparatus may be configured to apply the
electric potential signal and then to apply the electric current
signal.
[0027] The actuating apparatus may comprise spaced apart members
which are susceptible of carrying current and which are operative
to develop an electric potential therebetween. Each spaced apart
member may have the form of an electrode. The actuating apparatus
may be configured such that the spaced apart members are
electrically isolated from the skin when the actuating apparatus
bears against the skin. The actuating apparatus may be configured
to change a level of applied electric potential. The level of
applied electric potential may be changed, for example, to take
account of different skin thicknesses and types. Alternatively the
level of applied electric potential may be changed in dependence on
at least one of measurement of a property of the skin and the
received data based on plural measurements.
[0028] The actuating apparatus may be configured to apply the
electric potential signal to the skin as a pulse. The actuating
apparatus may be configured to change at least one of duration of
the applied pulse and a time period between applied pulses. The
duration of the applied pulse may be changed, for example, to take
account of different skin thicknesses and types. The time period
between applied pulses may be changed, for example, to take account
of different skin thicknesses and types.
[0029] Alternatively at least one of the duration of an applied
pulse and the time period between applied pulses may be changed in
dependence on at least one of measurement of a property of the skin
and the received data based on plural measurements. The duration of
the pulse, the time period between applied pulses and perhaps also
the level of the pulse as described above may be determined to
provide a desired effect, such as in respect of a diameter of
pathways formed in the skin or density of pathways formed in the
skin.
[0030] Alternatively or in addition the actuating apparatus may be
configured to apply an electric current signal to the skin. The
application of an electric current to the skin has been found to
increase permeability of the skin. The actuating apparatus may
comprise spaced apart current applying members which carry current
and which are operative to pass current therebetween by way of the
skin when the spaced apart current applying members are in contact
with the skin. The actuating apparatus may be configured such that
the electric current is substantially constant while it is being
applied to the skin. Each spaced apart current applying member may
have the form of an electrode. Each electrode may lack the
insulating layer described above with reference to electric
potential application to thereby provide a conductive path between
the electrode and the skin.
[0031] Application of electric current to the skin typically
reduces the impedance of the skin with the impedance being a
function of duration of application of the electric current and
density of the electric current. Decreased skin impedance normally
reflects increased permeability of the skin on account of changes
to the skin caused by the flow of electric current. The increase in
permeability and reduction in impedance is understood to be because
of recruitment of appendageal pathways as transport pathways. This
phenomenon is normally termed iontophoresis. Current flowing during
iontophoresis is termed iontophoretic current. In contrast with
application of electric potential, application of electric current
provides for movement of the material for cosmetic or medical
purposes along the pathways.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the application of an electric
potential and an electric current to the skin may be used together
in the apparatus to advantageous effect. An electric potential may
be applied to the skin to create pathways therein and then
application of the electric potential may cease while an electric
current is applied to the skin to maintain the pathways created by
the electric potential. The actuating apparatus may be configured
accordingly. More specifically the actuating apparatus may comprise
spaced apart members which are operative to apply the electric
potential and spaced apart current applying members which are
operative to apply the electric current.
[0033] As mentioned above, the application apparatus is configured
to apply material for cosmetic or medical purposes to the skin.
More specifically the application apparatus may be configured to
apply a cosmetic to the skin. The apparatus for topical application
of material for cosmetic or medical purposes may therefore be
apparatus for topical application of material for cosmetic purposes
alone of cosmetic and medical purposes. Furthermore the apparatus
may be configured for topical application of material for cosmetic
purposes solely of cosmetic and medical purposes. The material for
cosmetic purposes may be of a particular constitution which is
intended to effect an improvement such as in respect of the
cosmetic appearance of the like of the skin of the face. The
material therefore may be a substance. The material for cosmetic
purposes may be a cosmetic agent. The material for cosmetic
purposes may comprise at least one of primer, concealer,
foundation, bronzer, setting spray, cleanser, toner, skin-care
lotion, moisturiser, humectant, sunscreen, tanning oil, tanning
lotion, skin lightener and exfoliant.
[0034] The application apparatus may be operative in a changing
fashion in dependence on the operational data and measurements made
by the measurement apparatus. The application apparatus may be
operative in dependence on an actuating signal received by the
actuating apparatus, such as an actuating signal generated by the
processor. The actuating signal may be generated by the processor
in dependence on the operational data and measurements made by the
measurement apparatus. The application apparatus may be operative
to change at least one of: a quantity of material applied to the
skin; a rate of application of material to the skin; and a
consistency of material applied to the skin. Alternatively or in
addition the application apparatus may be operative to change a
composition of material applied to the skin in dependence on the
operational data and measurements made by the measurement
apparatus.
[0035] The application apparatus may comprise a material actuator
which is operative to dispense material for cosmetic or medical
purposes from the apparatus for topical application of material.
The material actuator may comprise a pump. The application
apparatus may comprise a reservoir which is configured to hold
material for cosmetic or medical purposes. The material actuator
may be operative to dispense material for cosmetic or medical
purposes from the reservoir. The application apparatus may comprise
at least one dispensing aperture through which material for
cosmetic or medical purposes is dispensed from the apparatus for
topical application of material to the skin of the subject. The at
least one dispensing aperture may be disposed adjacent to at least
one of the measurement apparatus and the actuating apparatus.
[0036] The material may be fluent material. The material may be
fluid and more specifically a liquid albeit perhaps a viscous
liquid such as a cream, paste, gel or foam.
[0037] The actuating apparatus may be operative in a changing
fashion in dependence on the operational data and measurements made
by the measurement apparatus. The actuating apparatus may be
operative in dependence on an actuating signal received by the
actuating apparatus, such as an actuating signal generated by the
processor. The actuating signal may be generated by the processor
in dependence on at least one of the operational data and
measurements made by the measurement apparatus. The actuating
apparatus may be operative to change at least one of: duty cycle of
the actuating signal; pulse width of the actuating signal;
amplitude of the actuating signal; and profile of the actuating
signal within a duty cycle.
[0038] The apparatus for topical application of material may
comprise data storage. The apparatus for topical application of
material may comprise at least one of a user operable control and a
data communication port. The data communication port may provide
for at least one of wireless communication, such as in accordance
with the WiFi standard, and wired communication, such as by way of
a USB port. The user operable control may be configured for user
operation whereby operation of the apparatus for topical
application of material may be controlled by the user. The
apparatus for topical application of material may be configured
such that data may be received thereby by way of the data
communication port from further apparatus, such as the remote data
store. The received data may be stored in the data storage. Data
stored on the further apparatus may thus be uploaded to the
apparatus for topical application of material. Further to
operational data, the data stored on the further apparatus may
comprise at least one of: data from previous operation of the
apparatus for topical application of material in respect of:
previous measurement by the measuring apparatus; previous
characteristics of operation of the actuating apparatus; previous
characteristics of operation of the application apparatus.
Alternatively or in addition the data stored on the further
apparatus may comprise phenotype data such as gender, age and
ethnic origin. Data on skin characteristics of plural different
classes of subject such as in respect of age group and/or
recognised skin type may be stored. Such data on skin
characteristics may be informed by the operational data. A user of
the apparatus may select data for one of the plural classes which
most closely matches her characteristics. Alternatively or in
addition the data stored on the further apparatus may comprise data
operative to provide for operation of at least one of the actuating
apparatus and the application apparatus in a particular fashion,
such as in respect of a subject belonging to a particular
phenotype. Alternatively or in addition the data stored on the
further apparatus may comprise skin property data such as skin
impedance data.
[0039] The data storage may be operative to store data which
provides for control of the apparatus for topical application of
material in a predetermined fashion. Control may be in respect of
at least one of the actuating apparatus and the application
apparatus. The data may be configured to effect control to take
account of at least one predetermined condition, for example a
subject belonging to a particular group such as the subject
belonging to a particular phenotype. The application apparatus may,
for example, apply a certain amount per se of material for cosmetic
purposes or apply material for cosmetic purposes at a particular
rate in dependence on the data. Data may be stored in the data
storage in dependence on operation of at least one of a user
operable control and a data communication port comprised in the
apparatus for topical application of material.
[0040] The apparatus for topical application of material may be
configured to store, such as in data storage, data relating to
operation of at least one of the measurement apparatus, the
actuating apparatus and the application apparatus. The apparatus
for topical application of material may thus be operative to store
a profile of operation of apparatus for topical application of
material. The apparatus for topical application of material may be
configured to take such stored data into account during subsequent
operation of the apparatus for topical application of material.
Where the apparatus for topical application of material comprises a
data communication port, the apparatus for topical application of
material may be configured to provide for transmission of stored
data from the apparatus for topical application of material by way
of the data communication port to further apparatus, such as a
remote data store.
[0041] The apparatus for topical application of material for
cosmetic or medical purposes may be hand held and more specifically
may be configured to be gripped in one hand. The apparatus for
topical application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes
may therefore comprise a housing, an exterior of the housing being
configured to be gripped in one hand. The housing may support and
more specifically may contain the measurement apparatus, the
actuating apparatus, the application apparatus and the
processor.
[0042] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of topically applying material for cosmetic or
medical purposes by way of apparatus for topical application of
material, the method comprising: [0043] measuring a property of
skin of a human or animal subject; [0044] changing a property of
the skin of the human or animal subject; [0045] applying material
for cosmetic or medical purposes to the skin; [0046] receiving
operational data based on data received from each of plural other
apparatus for topical application of material, said received data
pertaining to the operation of the other apparatus for topical
application of material; and [0047] controlling the apparatus for
topical application of material in dependence on the property
measured by the measurement apparatus and the operational data.
[0048] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may
comprise one or more features of the first or second aspect of the
present invention.
[0049] The present inventors have appreciated the feature of
forming a profile for managing topical application of material for
cosmetic purposes to be of wider applicability than hitherto
described. Therefore and according to a fourth aspect of the
present invention there is provided an arrangement for managing
topical application of material for cosmetic purposes, the
arrangement comprising: [0050] plural measurement apparatus each
configured to measure a property of skin of a respective human or
animal subject; [0051] a processor at a location remote from the
plural measurement apparatus which is operative: to receive
measurements from the plural measurement apparatus; and to form a
profile in dependence on the measurements received from the plural
measurement apparatus, the profile being for managing topical
application of material for cosmetic purposes.
[0052] The arrangement for managing topical application of material
for cosmetic purposes comprises plural measurement apparatus which
are each configured to measure a property of skin of a respective
human or animal subject. The arrangement further comprises a
processor at a location remote from the plural measurement
apparatus. The processor is operative to receive measurements from
the plural measurement apparatus and to form a profile in
dependence on the measurements received from the plural measurement
apparatus. The profile is for managing topical application of
material for cosmetic purposes.
[0053] The arrangement for managing topical application of material
may further comprise plural apparatus for applying a cosmetic to
the skin of the human or animal subject, the measurement apparatus
being comprised in each of the plural apparatus. The apparatus for
applying a cosmetic may comprise at least one of actuating
apparatus and application apparatus. At least one of the actuating
apparatus and the application apparatus may be operative in
dependence on the profile received from the processor.
[0054] The profile formed by the processor may be modified in
dependence on further measurements received from the plural
measurement apparatus. The profile may thus be refined or modified
on an ongoing basis. The profile may be formed in respect of a
predetermined category of human or animal subject. The processor
may store plural different profiles. One of the plural profiles may
be selected and transmitted to apparatus for applying a cosmetic in
accordance with a characteristic of the human or animal subject
with which the apparatus for applying a cosmetic is to be or is
being used.
[0055] Further embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present
invention may comprise one or more features of any other aspect of
the present invention.
[0056] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there
is provided apparatus for topical application of material for
cosmetic or medical purposes, the apparatus comprising: [0057]
actuating apparatus configured to change a property of the skin of
the human or animal subject; [0058] application apparatus
configured to apply material for cosmetic or medical purposes to
the skin; and [0059] a processor which is configured: to receive
operational data based on data received from each of plural other
apparatus for topical application of material, said received data
pertaining to the operation of the other apparatus for topical
application of material; and to control the apparatus for topical
application of material in dependence on the operational data.
[0060] The apparatus for topical application of material may
comprise a user interface, the apparatus for topical application of
material being configured to inform the user by way of the user
interface in dependence on the operational data. As described
above, the user interface may comprise a display.
[0061] Further embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present
invention may comprise one or more features of any other aspect of
the present invention.
[0062] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided apparatus for topical application of material for
cosmetic or medical purposes, the apparatus comprising: measurement
apparatus configured to measure a property of skin of a human or
animal subject; actuating apparatus configured to change a property
of the skin of the human or animal subject; application apparatus
configured to apply material for cosmetic or medical purposes to
the skin; and a processor which is configured to control the
actuating apparatus in dependence on the property measured by the
measurement apparatus. Embodiments of the further aspect of the
present invention may comprise one or more features of any other
aspect of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0063] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following specific description, which
is given by way of example only and with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0064] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of an arrangement
for topical application of material for cosmetic or medical
purposes according to the invention;
[0065] FIG. 2 is a schematic of apparatus for topical application
of material according;
[0066] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the main operative components
of the apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0067] FIG. 4 shows an electrode assembly comprised in the
apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0068] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the main steps during
operation of the apparatus of FIG. 2 and the arrangement of FIG.
1;
[0069] FIG. 6 is a graph of skin impedance against rate of
transepidermal water loss;
[0070] FIG. 7A is an example of an electrical equivalent model of
the stratum corneum; and
[0071] FIG. 7B is a representative Cole-Cole plot for skin
tissue.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0072] A block diagram representation of an arrangement for topical
application of material for cosmetic or medical purposes 10 is
shown in FIG. 1. The arrangement for topical application of
material 10 comprises a cloud based arrangement 12 and plural
apparatus for topical application of material for cosmetic or
medical purposes 14. The cloud based arrangement 12 comprises a
central processor 16 and a data store 18. The cloud based
arrangement 12 is of conventional form and function. The plural
apparatus for topical application of material are of the same form
and function as each other. The plural apparatus for topical
application of material 14 are remote from the cloud based
arrangement 12 and remote from each other and may be located in
different countries. Typically apparatus for topical application of
material 14 is located in the home of the user.
[0073] Each apparatus for topical application of material 14 is in
communication with the cloud based arrangement 12 by way of a wired
or wireless link to a local communications hub (not shown) which is
then communication with the cloud based arrangement 12 by way of
the Internet. Where communication between apparatus for topical
application of material 14 and the local communications hub is
wired, a wired link is established by way of a USB socket on each
of the apparatus for topical application of material 14 and the
local communications hub. Where communication between apparatus for
topical application of material 14 and the local communications hub
is wireless, the apparatus for topical application of material 14
and the local communications hub are configured for communication
in accordance with either the WiFi standard or the Bluetooth
standard. The local communications hub typically is a home or small
office router of conventional form and function. In practice, the
arrangement for topical application of material for cosmetic or
medical purposes 10 comprises many more apparatus for topical
application of material 14 than are shown in FIG. 1. As will become
apparent from the following description, utility improves with the
number of apparatus for topical application of material 14
comprised in the arrangement 10. The apparatus for topical
application of material 14 is described further below.
[0074] A schematic of apparatus for topical application of material
110 is shown in FIG. 2. The apparatus comprises a housing 112 which
supports and contains components of the apparatus and defines an
external surface of the apparatus. The housing comprises two parts:
a main body 114; and an operative body 116. The housing is of a
shape and size that the main body can be gripped in the hand of a
user. The main body 114 contains and supports a reservoir (not
shown) which contains a cosmetic agent such as skin-care lotion
(which constitutes material for cosmetic purposes) or a medical
agent (which constitutes material for medical purposes). The main
body 114 also contains and supports six rechargeable AA NiMH
battery cells which provide electrical power for the apparatus 110.
The battery cells are rechargeable by way of an external battery
charger in accordance with conventional practice. The operative
body 116 comprises electronic and electro-mechanical components of
the apparatus 110. The electronic and electro-mechanical components
are described below with reference to FIG. 3. The distal end of the
operative body 116 defines a substantially planar surface on which
an electrode assembly 118 is mounted. The electrode assembly 118 is
described below with reference to FIG. 3 and subsequently in more
detail with reference to FIG. 4.
[0075] A block diagram of the main operative components of the
apparatus of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3. The main operative
components comprise an ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132,
electrical power supply circuitry 134, a USB communication port
136, communication port driver circuitry 138, a loudspeaker 140,
LED indicators 142 and an on-off switch 144. The ARM Cortex M3
embedded processor 132 is operative to control operation of the
apparatus 110 of FIG. 2 in respect of measurement, actuation and
application of cosmetic or medical agent as is described further
below. The ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 is therefore
operative to store in integral memory firmware to control such
operation and to provide for control and operation as otherwise
described herein. The provision of such firmware is within the
ordinary design capabilities of the notionally skilled person. The
ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 comprises integral components
such as timers, an analogue-to-digital converter, and a
digital-to-analogue converter and plural digital input/output
lines. The analogue-to-digital converter is operative to provide
for analogue-to-digital conversion of acquired analogue signals for
processing within the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132. The
digital-to-analogue converter is operative to convert digital data
to analogue signals for the actuating apparatus described below.
The digital input/output lines are operative to control components
of the apparatus 110, such as in respect of putting electronic
components into a tri-state condition or into or out of a power
conserving mode, and to control whatever further external apparatus
may be provided, such as skin abrading apparatus.
[0076] The electrical power supply circuitry 134 comprises the
electric batteries described above with reference to FIG. 2, and is
otherwise configured by way of bandgap reference circuitry and
voltage generation and regulation circuitry to provide electrical
power rails for the electronic circuitry and required reference
voltages. The electric batteries are recharged when recharging
current is provided by way of gold plated copper terminals 135
provided on the exterior of the housing 112. The design of
electrical power supply circuitry 134 is within the ordinary design
capabilities of the notionally skilled person. The loudspeaker 140
is operative under control of the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor
132 to provide audible notification as to when components of the
apparatus 110 of FIG. 2, such as the measurement apparatus and the
actuating apparatus, are operating. The LED indicators 142 are
operative under control of the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132
to provide visible notification as to when the apparatus 110 of
FIG. 2 is switched on and otherwise, such as by use of different
colours, to provide visible notification as to when different parts
of the apparatus 110 of FIG. 2 are operating, such as when each of
the measurement apparatus and the actuating apparatus is operating.
The communication port driver circuitry 138, which is under control
of the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132, drives the USB
communication port 136 to provide for reception of data by and
transmission of data from the apparatus 110 of FIG. 2 as is
described in more detail below. In alternative forms, the
communication port driver circuitry 138 is operative to drive a
WiFi or Bluetooth transceiver to provide for wireless communication
of data to and from the apparatus. Design of the apparatus to
provide for WiFi or Bluetooth communication will be a matter of
ordinary design for the skilled reader. The apparatus 110 of FIG. 2
is brought into data communication with a computer, such as a
laptop, by way of a USB cable which is connected to the USB
communication port 136 or with a home or small office router by way
of a WiFi link. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 110
comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor which are
operative to measure the temperature and humidity respectively of
the environment around the apparatus 110. Although not shown in
FIG. 2, the apparatus 110 comprises a GPS receiver which is
operative to determine the location of the apparatus 110.
[0077] The main operative components of FIG. 3 further comprise a
signal generator 146, actuation signal conversion and conditioning
circuitry 148, measurement signal conversion and conditioning
circuitry 150 and the electrode assembly 118, 152. The signal
generator 146 is under control of and receives data from the ARM
Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 and is operative to drive each of
the actuation signal conversion and conditioning circuitry 148 and
measurement signal conversion and conditioning circuitry 150 at
different times. The signal generator 146 is operative to determine
voltage and current amplitude, frequency, duty cycle and duration
of signals generated. The actuation signal conversion and
conditioning circuitry 148 comprises a 12-bit digital-to-analogue
converter from Analog Devices, namely an AD5339, and other
circuitry to provide for current limit control and voltage
compliance control depending on the mode of operation and to
interface with the electrode arrangement 152. The measurement
signal conversion and conditioning circuitry 150 comprises a
digital sine wave generator, namely an AD9832 from Analog Devices,
a 25 MHz master clock generator, namely a SG8002DCOHB from Epson,
and other circuitry to interface with the electrode arrangement
152.
[0078] The main operative components of FIG. 3 yet further comprise
a signal measurement arrangement 154, a first measurement interface
arrangement 156, and a second measurement interface arrangement
158. The signal measurement arrangement 154 comprises an 18-bit
analogue-to-digital converter, namely an MCP3421 from Microchip,
and is under control of and provides digital data to the ARM Cortex
M3 embedded processor 132 in dependence on analogue signals
received from the first measurement interface arrangement 156 and
the second measurement interface arrangement 158 at different
times. The signal measurement arrangement 154 is operative to
determine voltage amplitude and phase angle and current amplitude
and phase angle. The first measurement interface arrangement 156
comprises circuitry to interface with the electrode arrangement
152. The second measurement interface arrangement 158 comprises
circuitry to interface with the electrode assembly 152. In addition
the main operative components of FIG. 3 comprise an electrode
assembly switching control 160 and a pump arrangement 162 (which
constitutes application apparatus). The electrode assembly
switching control 160 is under the control of the ARM Cortex M3
embedded processor 132 and is operative to determine the mode of
operation of the electrode assembly 152 as is described further
below. The pump arrangement 162 is under the control of the ARM
Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 and is operative to pump cosmetic
or medical agent contained in the reservoir of the apparatus 110 of
FIG. 2. A conduit from the reservoir is operative to convey pumped
cosmetic or medical agent to an aperture beside the electrode
assembly 152 whereby cosmetic or medical agent is dispensed from
the apparatus 110 of FIG. 2.
[0079] The electrode assembly 118, 152 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown in
more detail in FIG. 4. The electrode assembly 180 of FIG. 4
comprises a first electrode arrangement 182 and a second electrode
arrangement 184. The first electrode arrangement 182 comprises two
first electrodes 186 which are spaced apart from each other such
that the second electrode arrangement 184 is disposed therebetween.
The two first electrodes 186 lie in substantially the same plane,
each define a semicircle in area and are disposed such that the
linear bases of the semicircles face each other. The two first
electrodes 186 are formed of gold plated copper and are not covered
by an insulating material. The second electrode arrangement 184
comprises two second electrodes 188 which each define serpentine
paths and are disposed relative to each other such that they define
an interdigitated structure. The two second electrodes 188 lie in
substantially the same plane and in the same plane as the two first
electrodes 186. The two second electrodes 188 are formed of gold
plated copper. A layer of an insulating material, such as
polyurethane, covers the two second electrodes 188. The width of
each of the two second electrodes 188 is 0.1 mm and the separation
between the two second electrodes 188 is 0.06 mm. Different
electrode spacings are used depending on the thickness of the skin
to which the cosmetic or medical agent is to be applied. An
electrode spacing of 0.06 mm is appropriate where the stratum
corneum is thin, such as around the eye. An electrode spacing
nearer to 0.1 mm is appropriate where the stratum corneum is
thicker, such as the heel. The total area of the electrode assembly
180 is 2 cm.sup.2 (2 cm long by 1 cm wide).
[0080] Operation of the arrangement 10 and the apparatus 14, 110
described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will now be
described with reference to the flow chart 200 shown in FIG. 5.
After the apparatus 14, 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is switched on by way
of the on/off switch 144 the apparatus is programmed 202.
Programming the apparatus comprises configuring the apparatus to
carry out a skin preparation and cosmetic or medical agent
application regime. The apparatus is configured by downloading
configuration data either from a computer which stores the
configuration data by way of a USB cable to the USB communication
port 36 or from the cloud based arrangement 12 by way of the
Internet and the local WiFi link. The downloaded configuration data
is then conveyed to the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 for
storage therein. The configuration data comprises phenotype data
such as gender, age and ethnic origin and also skin type data such
as normal, dry, oily and combination. The user makes an appropriate
selection on the computer before the configuration data is
downloaded from the computer or on the apparatus 14, 110 before the
configuration data is downloaded from the cloud based arrangement
12. The configuration data also comprises historic data which has
been uploaded from previous use of the apparatus 14, 110 of FIGS. 1
and 2, with such historic data being operative to provide for
refining of the skin preparation and cosmetic or medical agent
application regime. By way of example, frequency of use of the
apparatus and the amount of cosmetic or medical agent dispensed on
each occasion is stored. The processor 132 is operative in
dependence on the stored data to restrict the amount of cosmetic or
medical agent dispensed during further use of the apparatus. For
example a maximum weekly dose for a particular cosmetic or medical
agent may be 2 ml based on previous use. The processor 132 is
therefore operative to provide that no more than this amount is
dispensed in a seven day period or to reduce the amount dispensed
during the latter part of the seven day period. If a user does not
use the apparatus for one or more days during a seven day period
the processor is operative to increase the amount dispensed during
the remaining days of the seven day period.
[0081] The second stage comprises measurement of the permeability
of the skin 204 during which the electrode assembly 118 is brought
into contact with the skin. Two forms of measurement are made: skin
impedance measurement; and skin capacitance measurement. Each form
of measurement will now be described in turn although the two forms
of measurement are both used to provide enhanced characterisation
of skin permeability.
[0082] Considering skin impedance measurement first, the signal
generator 146, the measurement signal conversion and conditioning
circuitry 150 and the first electrode arrangement 182 are operative
together under control of the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132
to apply an alternating current signal of swept frequency between
100 Hz and 1 MHz or an alternating current signal comprising
frequencies between 100 Hz and 1 MHz. The signal measurement
arrangement 154, the second measurement interface arrangement 158
and the first electrode arrangement 182 are operative together
under control of the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 to
measure the current signal between the electrodes of the first
electrode arrangement 182 at different frequencies. The ARM Cortex
M3 embedded processor 132 is operative to determine the impedance
on the basis of the current measurements and the applied voltage
and then to determine the real and imaginary parts of the
impedance. The thus determined real part of the impedance is then
correlated with skin permeability by the ARM Cortex M3 embedded
processor 132 in dependence on a model stored in the processor 132.
A graph which relates skin impedance to transepidermal water loss
is shown in FIG. 6. The graph of FIG. 6 forms the basis for a model
that relates impedance to skin permeability. The graph of FIG. 6
and the model based thereon are described further below. The ARM
Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 is further operative to determine
a capacitance of the skin in dependence on the imaginary part of
the impedance, the frequency of the applied signal and a resistance
value representing resistance of an outermost layer of the stratum
corneum in accordance with the model of the skin described below
with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0083] Turning now to consider skin capacitance measurement, the
signal generator 146, measurement signal conversion and
conditioning circuitry 150 and the second electrode arrangement 184
are operative together under control of the ARM Cortex M3 embedded
processor 132 to apply an electric field to the skin. More
specifically the electrodes of the second electrode arrangement 184
are operative as plate of a capacitor with the skin constituting
the dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. The signal
generator 146 is operative to provide for application of a signal
of alternating current form to the electrodes of the second
electrode arrangement 184. The signal measurement arrangement 154
and the second measurement interface arrangement 158 are operative
together under control of the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132
to provide for measurement of the current and voltage between the
electrodes of the second electrode arrangement 184. The ARM Cortex
M3 embedded processor 132 is operative to determine the capacitive
reactance and then relative permittivity in dependence thereon. The
ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 is also operative to provide
for determination the thickness of the skin. Determination of
relative permittivity and of skin thickness will now be described
further below.
[0084] The reactance of the capacitor defined by the electrode
plates of the second electrode arrangement 184 and the skin is
given by:
X C = 1 2 .pi. fC ##EQU00001##
[0085] Re-arranging we obtain:
C = 1 2 .pi. fX c ##EQU00002##
[0086] The capacitance is related to the permittivity of the
material between the plates by:
C = A d ##EQU00003##
[0087] Combining the two immediately preceding equations and making
.epsilon., the relative permittivity, the subject of the combined
equation we obtain:
= d 2 .pi. fX c A ##EQU00004##
[0088] A, the area of the plates and f, the frequency, are known.
As mentioned above, the capacitive reactance, X.sub.c, is measured
and thus known. The distance separating the plates, d, is estimated
based on the typical thickness of the part of the skin being
measured. The relative permittivity, .epsilon., is therefore
calculated.
[0089] As described above, measurement using the first electrode
arrangement 182 also provides for determination of the capacitance
C. In view of capacitance being related to relative permittivity
by:
C = A d ##EQU00005##
[0090] We re-arrange to obtain:
d = A C ##EQU00006##
[0091] The capacitance, C, is provided by measurement with the
first electrode arrangement 182, the relative permittivity,
.epsilon., is provided by measurement with the second electrode
arrangement 184 and the area, A, of the second electrode
arrangement is known. Hence d, the plate separation or more
specifically the depth of the stratum corneum, is calculated to
thereby provide a more accurate value for d.
[0092] Returning to FIG. 5 now that the permeability of the skin
has been determined, the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 is
operative to determine whether or not the permeability meets the
requirements stored at the first stage 202 of the process. If not,
the process progresses to a step in which the permeability of the
skin is increased 206. The permeability of the skin is increased by
two approaches: application of an electric potential signal; and
application of an electric current signal. Each approach will now
be described in turn although the two approaches are both used to
provide for an enhanced increase in permeability of the skin.
[0093] Considering application of an electric potential signal
first, the signal generator 146, the actuation signal conversion
and conditioning circuitry 148 and the second electrode arrangement
184 are operative together under control of the ARM Cortex M3
embedded processor 132 to apply an electric potential in the range
of 20 volts to 140 volts in the form of a pulse of duration of 10
.mu.s to 10 ms. The pulse is operative to reversibly form plural
pathways through the stratum corneum to thereby increase
permeability. During application of the electric potential, the
signal measurement arrangement 154 and the first measurement
interface arrangement 156 are operative to measure the electric
potential at the second electrode arrangement 184 to monitor the
applied electric potential and provide feedback control.
[0094] Turning now to consider the application of an electric
current signal, the signal generator 146, the actuation signal
conversion and conditioning circuitry 148 and the first electrode
arrangement 182 are operative together under control of the ARM
Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 to apply a substantially constant
current to the skin by way of the electrodes of the first electrode
arrangement 182. A potential of no more than 50 Volts and a current
of up to 500 .mu.A/cm.sup.2 are applied to the skin. During
application of the current, the signal measurement arrangement 154
and the first measurement interface arrangement 156 are operative
to measure the current at the first electrode arrangement 182 to
monitor the applied current and provide feedback control.
Application of the current is operative to maintain the pathways
formed by the pulsed electric potential in the absence of the
latter.
[0095] After step 206 of FIG. 5, the apparatus 14, 110 of FIGS. 1
and 2 is operative to measure the permeability as described above
with reference to step 204 of FIG. 5. Steps 206 and 204 are
repeated until a desired permeability is achieved.
[0096] When a desired permeability is achieved, operation of the
apparatus 14, 110 of FIGS. 1 and 2 progresses to application of the
cosmetic or medical agent to the skin 208. More specifically the
pump arrangement 162 is operative under control of the ARM Cortex
M3 embedded processor 132 to pump cosmetic or medical agent from
the reservoir through the aperture provided adjacent the electrode
assembly 118 onto the skin. The amount and rate of application of
cosmetic or medical agent to the skin is determined in accordance
with data stored in the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 at
step 202 in FIG. 5 to meet a desired cosmetic or medical agent
application regime. In certain forms, application of cosmetic or
medical agent takes place in plural stages with measurement
performed in accordance with step 204 and actuation in accordance
with step 206 performed between stages of application of cosmetic
or medical agent.
[0097] When application of cosmetic or medical agent is complete
210, data relating to the just completed skin preparation and
cosmetic or medical agent application process is stored by the ARM
Cortex M3 embedded processor 132. The stored data is either
transmitted to the user's computer or to the cloud based
arrangement 12 for use as historic data in subsequent treatments as
described above. If the stored data is transmitted to the user's
computer it is also transmitted to the cloud based arrangement 12,
212 for use other than as historic data as will now be described.
The stored data received by the cloud based arrangement 12 also
comprises temperature and humidity data from measurements made by
the temperature and humidity sensors and location data from the GPS
receiver. The stored data received by the cloud based arrangement
12 is pooled under control of the central processor 16, 214 with
stored data received from each of the other apparatus for topical
application of material 14 of FIG. 1. The cloud based arrangement
12 thus comprises a database in the data store 18 of data which
relates to completed skin preparation and cosmetic or medical agent
application processes from various apparatus for topical
application of material 14. The database of data is updated on an
ongoing basis as further use is made of the various apparatus for
topical application of material 14. The database thus contains data
which characterises use of apparatus for topical application of
material 14 with a wide variety of subjects and in respect of
differing circumstances, such as different times of the day,
different dates, different temperatures, different humidity,
different locations, etc. Such a database is employed to provide
for improved use of each apparatus for topical application of
material 14 as will now be described.
[0098] The central processor 16 is operative to analyse the data
contained in the database on an ongoing basis 216 and to draw
conclusions in dependence on the analysis. Thereafter operating
parameters are determined in dependence on the conclusions drawn
218. In some circumstances the central processor 16 is operative in
respect of these steps without user input. In other circumstances
the central processor 16 is operative in respect of these steps
with user input. In such other circumstances, user input is, for
example, involved in drawing conclusions after analysis of the
data. After operating parameters have been determined, the
operating parameters are stored in the data store 18 as an
operating profile 220 comprising data fields which identify
appropriate circumstances for use of the operating parameters such
as with a particular demographic, for example Italian women between
the ages of 40 and 49. Plural different operating profiles are
created over time. Upon subsequent operation of apparatus for
topical application of material 14 which is configured for use with
a particular demographic, the apparatus for topical application of
material 14 is operative to upload the operating profile in
question 222. Depending on circumstances of intended use, the
apparatus for topical application of material 14 is configured to
at least one of: modify initial programming of the apparatus 14,
202 by changing the like of target values for actuation and
application; modify operation of at least one of the actuating
apparatus 206 and the application apparatus 208 in dependence of
the uploaded operating profile. Operation of each of the plural
apparatus for topical application of material 14 is thus influenced
by the data collected by the cloud based arrangement 12 from all of
the plural apparatus for topical application of material 14 to
provide for improved treatment. Furthermore collection of data over
time from all of the plural apparatus for topical application of
material 14 provides for improved modelling of usage of apparatus
for topical application of material. It is noted that as the number
of plural apparatus for topical application of material 14
increases there is an improved basis for modelling.
[0099] The central processor 16 is operative to analyse the
collected data for several purposes. A first purpose is to identify
factors common to plural instances of use of apparatus for topical
application of material 14. For example, analysis reveals that skin
measurements are affected in a consistent fashion by change in
temperature or change in humidity as reflected by the temperature
and humidity data. By way of further example, analysis reveals that
a skin treatment regime should be changed to take account of
climate as inferred from location. As a result of such an outcome,
the central processor 16 is operative to determine how target
values for actuation and application are to be changed upon initial
programming of the apparatus 14, 202 to take account of local
change in temperature or humidity or location as determined by the
GPS receiver.
[0100] A second purpose is optimising treatment with apparatus for
topical application of material 14. Data received from various
apparatus for topical application of material 14 is analysed under
control of the central processor 16 to determine an optimum skin
stimulation regime. For example a first cluster of data may relate
to use of a particular product with a stimulation pattern involving
low amplitude and high frequency and second cluster of data may
relate to use of the particular product with a stimulation pattern
involving high amplitude and low frequency. Analysis may, for
example, reveal that the first cluster of data involves more
effective application of the particular product than the second
cluster of data. The central processor is then operative to
determine how operating parameters for the actuating apparatus
should be set such that they are in accordance with operating
parameters for the first cluster of data. The operating parameters
comprise: duty cycle of the actuating signal; pulse width of the
actuating signal applied by the actuating apparatus; amplitude of
the actuating signal; profile of the actuating signal within a duty
cycle; amount of material dispensed on the skin; rate of material
dispensed on the skin; and consistency of material dispensed on the
skin.
[0101] A third purpose is arriving quickly at an effective
treatment regime for a new cosmetic or medical agent. When the new
cosmetic or medical agent is used for the first time in various
apparatus for topical application of material 14, the data from
various apparatus is collected in the cloud based arrangement 12.
The thus collected data is analysed under control of the central
processor 16 to determine an optimum treatment regime and
corresponding operating parameters. Such corresponding operating
parameters are then used as described above to modify control of at
least one of the actuating apparatus and the application apparatus
during subsequent use of apparatus for topical application of
material with the new cosmetic or medical agent.
[0102] A fourth purpose is determining a fresh operating profile.
Freshly collected data from apparatus for topical application of
material 14 is compared with previously collected data to determine
whether or not the freshly collected data is in conformance with
one of previously determining operating profiles. If the freshly
collected data is not in conformance with one of previously
determining operating profiles, the central processor 18 is
operative to form a fresh operating profile appropriate to the
freshly collected data. The fresh operating profile is then used as
described above to control at least one of the actuating apparatus
and the application apparatus during subsequent use of apparatus
for topical application of material to provide a more appropriate
treatment regime.
[0103] A fifth purpose is informing the user of the apparatus for
topical application of material 14. The loudspeaker 140 under
control of the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 provides a
message to the user in dependence on the operating profile and
measurements made by the measurement apparatus. By way of example,
the user is informed by way of the loudspeaker 140 that the
formulation of the cosmetic material should be changed. In another
form of this example, a replacement cartridge containing the
changed formulation is sent to the user and without user input with
the user being informed accordingly or not by way of the
loudspeaker 140 depending on configuration of the apparatus 14. The
user is thus provided with a customised cosmetic formulation on an
ongoing basis. By way of another example, the user is informed by
way of the loudspeaker 140 regarding one or more of timing and
frequency of use of the apparatus, volume of cosmetic material to
be applied or rate of application of cosmetic material. Instead of
providing a message by way of the loudspeaker 140, a communication
link is established between the apparatus for topical application
of material 14 and a Personal Computer (PC) by way of the USB
communication port 136 and information for the user is conveyed to
the PC by way of the communication link for output to the user by
way of the PC.
[0104] FIG. 6 shows a graph which relates skin impedance to the
rate of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Transepidermal water loss
is a measurement of water lost through the skin by way of the
stratum corneum other than by sweating. As per FIG. 6, the units of
water loss are expressed in g/m.sup.2/h (grams per meter squared
per hour). As can be seen from FIG. 6, there is a generally linear
relationship between the log of skin impedance and the rate of
transepidermal water loss with impedance decreasing as the rate of
transepidermal water loss increases. It is known that the rate of
transepidermal water loss corresponds to skin permeability. The
model used by the ARM Cortex M3 embedded processor 132 in
determining skin permeability is based on the relationship of FIG.
6 between skin impedance and the rate of transepidermal water
loss.
[0105] A simple electrical equivalent model of the stratum corneum
is shown in FIG. 7A. The model consists of a first resistor R.sub.1
in parallel with a capacitor C with this parallel arrangement being
in series with a second resistor R.sub.2. C and R.sub.1 represent
the capacitance and resistance of the outermost layer of the
stratum corneum and R.sub.2 represents the resistance found in
deeper layers of the stratum corneum. Typical values for R.sub.1
range from 100.OMEGA. to 5 M.OMEGA. cm.sup.2 and R.sub.2 from
0.1.OMEGA. to 1 k.OMEGA. cm.sup.2. The model reflects the frequency
dependence of skin and in particular the decrease in magnitude of
the impedance as frequency increases. Based on skin impedance
measurements as described above and the theory for biological
tissues according to the Cole brothers (Bioelectrical impedance
analysis--part I: review of principles and methods, Kyle, U. G., I.
Bosaeus, et al. (2004), Clinical Nutrition 23(5): 1226-1243),
values for R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and C can be calculated. A typical
complex plot obtained when impedance of any biological tissue is
analysed is shown in FIG. 7B. According to the Cole brothers'
empirical equation the impedance is given by:
Z = R .infin. + R 0 - R .infin. 1 + ( j .omega. .tau. ) .alpha.
Equation 1 ##EQU00007##
[0106] Where R.sub..infin. is the resistance at very high
frequencies where the semicircle of FIG. 6 crosses the x axis (i.e.
when the reactance is zero), R.sub.0 is the resistance at very low
frequencies where the semicircle of FIG. 7B crosses the x axis
(i.e. when the reactance is zero), .omega. is the angular
frequency, .tau. is a time constant and .phi.=.alpha.(.pi./2) is
the constant phase angle. The general equation for this circuit can
be written as:
Z=Z.sub.series+Z.sub.parallel Equation 2
[0107] Based on a comparison of Equation 1 with Equation 2 the
following equations can be obtained:
Z series = R .infin. = R 2 Equation 3 Z parallel = R 0 - R .infin.
1 + ( j .omega. .tau. ) .alpha. = R 1 1 + j .omega. R 1 C Equation
4 ##EQU00008##
[0108] The parallel impedance has real and imaginary parts and can
be represented in the Cartesian form as:
Z parallel = Z ' + Z '' = R 1 1 + .omega. 2 R 1 2 C 2 - j .omega. R
1 2 C 1 + .omega. 2 R 1 2 C 2 Equation 5 ##EQU00009##
[0109] In Equation 5 Z'' is the part of interest which provides for
calculation of the value of C:
Z '' = j .omega. R 1 2 C 1 + .omega. 2 R 1 2 C 2 Equation 6
##EQU00010##
where Z'' is measured, .omega. is known and R.sub.1 is R.sub.0 at
low frequencies or R.sub..infin. at high frequencies. Equation 6 is
solved for C in view of Z'', R.sub.1 and .omega. being known.
* * * * *